Obituary for Ms. IRENE G SECADA

Irene G. Secada, who was born on September 9, 1922 in Lima, Peru, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 7, 2024 (Hialeah, FL).  She will be remembered as a loving and beautiful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. A retired psychiatric nurse, she was an avid gardener, reader, swimmer, arts/movie/music enthusiast, and dog lover.

Irene’s resilience, determination and courage inspired all who knew and loved her. She  supported her children in their endeavors and is forever ensconced in their hearts.

Irene was a woman of great faith that helped her weather life’s toughest challenges. She was a founding member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir. She was also a Cub Scout den mother for Troop 207 sponsored by the parish.

Irene started nursing school after her youngest child began pre-k. She finished her studies as the then-oldest graduate of the Jackson School of Nursing. She worked her entire career at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Psych 3.

Irene missed her native Peru, often taking her children to visit beloved relatives. Later, her children would accompany her on travels to 5 of the world’s 7 continents from which she always returned to her beloved garden and dogs.

A private family service will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.  A future celebration of life will be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Maryknoll Sisters (maryknollsisters.org) whose charitable work Irene admired or that a tree be planted in memory of her lifelong interest in conservation and the environment.

Irene is survived by her children Walter, Phillip, Rose Marie (Ziya Oz), Francis, Irene, and Martin (Edra Stern), 11 grandchildren (Adam, Paco, Yasmin, Paul, Claudia, Andreas, Mark, Giselle, Dante, Phillip, and Cassandra) and 1 great grandson (Francisco).  She was predeceased by her sons Albert, Joseph, and Alexander; and by her ex-husband Albert.